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Swedish LBG road trial shows 90 percent emissions reduction

In Sweden, a one-month trial period during which Orkla’s transport partner GDL switched to liquefied biogas (LBG) has ended with very interesting results. Together with its partners Gasum and Volvo trucks, Orkla says that it has achieved fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductions of 90 percent as well as 25 percent lower fuel costs compared to renewable diesel (HVO).

In Sweden, the results of a one-month trial period during which Orkla’s transport partner GDL switched to liquefied biogas (LBG) show that fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductions of 90 percent as well as 25 percent lower fuel costs compared to renewable diesel (HVO) are possible (graphic courtesy Gasum).

In June 2020, Orkla Foods Sweden, a subsidiary of Norway-headed Orkla ASA, a leading Nordic manufacturer and supplier of branded consumer goods, Nordic gas major Gasum Oy and global truck-maker Volvo Trucks partnered in an effort to lower road transport emissions.

For a one-month trial period, Orkla’s transport partner GDL used liquefied biogas (LBG) to fuel transports between Orkla’s warehouse in Helsingborg and its ketchup and sauce production facility in Fågelmara, Blekinge to learn more about the potential economical, operational, and environmental benefits of using as a transportation fuel.

The results are now in.

The test has shown that we can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 90 percent while having a very stable transport solution to operate. Something that really supports Orkla’s goal of all domestic transport being completely fossil-free by 2025, said Daniel Kojic, Transport Manager, Orkla Foods Sweden.

The expanding station network in Sweden makes it easier for transport and logistics companies across the Nordics to begin using LBG. Gasum runs 13 of the total of 23 liquefied gas filling stations in Sweden.

Gasum’s new filling station in Helsingborg made it possible to drive a gas-powered truck between Orkla’s warehouse in Helsingborg to the Felix ketchup and dressing production facility in Fågelmara.

The trial period has provided us with a lot of data regarding the economics and sheer practical side of using a gas-powered truck, and the feedback from drivers has been very positive. Refueling has been quick and easy, just as fast as refueling with diesel, and there is less noise compared to diesel trucks. It’s definitely our ambition to drive in an even more climate-smart way and with tests like this, it’s obvious that gas has great potential, said Anders Wendelius, CEO, GDL.

Renewable transport fuels are the future

Renewable liquefied gas is becoming more and more popular as the transport industry works towards sustainable solutions. The ambitious goals of clients and the climate targets being set in the EU and at national levels are accelerating the transition to cleaner fuels.

Thanks to LBG, the CO2 emissions from the transports were reduced by as much as 90 percent.

It’s very pleasing that Orkla confirms how easy and successful it is to drive and refuel gas-powered vehicles. Their test shows what we see ourselves – that transport with gas-powered heavy-duty vehicles is an important step in the transition to fossil-free transports. We can see very good development on the Swedish market, thanks to the operational economy, well-proven technology, and increasing access to liquefied gas, explained Stefan Strand, Managing Director, Volvo Trucks, Sweden.

According to Gasum, biogas is the circular economy at its best. Made from organic waste, biogas upgraded to biomethane (aka renewable natural gas – RNG) and then liquefied to LBG helps to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent compared to fossil diesel.

The results of this trial period prove that filling times are as fast as with diesel, there are notable cost savings and on top of that, the CO2 emission reductions are significant. It goes to show that renewable fuels are the future, and the future is already here. Incentive programs in Sweden like Klimatklivet, Klimatpremien, and DriveLBG are important since they ease the transition and encourage more people to take the step and invest in gas-powered vehicles already today, ended Mikael Antonsson, Director Traffic Sweden, Gasum.

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